Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence: What to Expect

Having grown up in the United States, and now being based in Australia, I have a hard time going to Europe and paying so much for the privilege to stay at a hotel that is part of the Hyatt family of properties. This hotel is a reach hotel for me. I split the cost with a friend who was meeting up with and stayed there one night because I really wanted to experience a fancy hotel in Florence. The hotel is part of the Unbound Collection of hotels through the Hyatt app. The idea that you’re staying in a former palace I figured is part of the entire experience.

Overall, I was really happy to have splurged at such a beautiful property. I do think it was worth it, especially since it allowed for exploring the city right at its heart.

What’s Great About Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence

Location

This place is right in the heart of Florence on a street that has every high-end shop you could think of, including (as a proud Aussie) a gorgeous Zimmermann boutique. It’s not far from anything you might want to see as a tourist. I especially loved waking up early before the crowds to see the Duomo before it was swarming with people.

Travel Tip: The hotel is a 5 to10-minute walk from landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Vecchio. If you're into luxury shopping, you're steps from Via de' Tournibuoni, Florence’s equivalent of Rodeo Drive.

The Doormen

There really are a lot of great things about this property and the luxurious feel of it, but I remember how incredible and personable the doormen were. Really beautiful characters who were so genuine and made you feel at home. Don’t be afraid to ask for nearby food recs or help navigating the maze of Florence’s one-way streets, they have so much information to share.

The Globalist Gift

Some sweets and a mineral water just hit the spot for me. It was a cute little set-up when I got to the room and I definitely ate the whole thing with my friend.

Hotel Furnishings and Quality

This is something that I’ve noted on a lot of reviews of this hotel, and while I don’t disagree with them, I think maybe it has to do with the fact that I don’t often travel in Europe so the standard isn’t as stark to me. What I have noted about other European hotels is that they are hard to get used to if you’ve traveled luxury in South East Asia, so that’s why I think it’s important you can see how I feel about other properties you might have been to, to see what my taste and preference is. It was as fancy as you would expect a renovated palace to be.

The property blends modern updates with original architectural elements. The velvet drapery, herringbone flooring, and marble bathrooms added a rich textures. Rooms are elegant but compact, so pack light if you’re sharing.

A Few Helpful Tips Before You Stay at Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence

The hotel was an easy walk from the train station, provided you have luggage with solid wheels. I had my sturdy Rimowa. You’ll see plenty of people walking in the direction of the main part of Florence and that’s basically where you are.
It was easy to get confused in the palace hallways and corridors of stairs, I figure because of the older construction. If your room is on an upper floor and you’re hauling bags, the elevator is charming but very small (typical of European properties in historical buildings). Let the staff assist you.

Is There Room Service at Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence?

Yes, there is in-room dining at the hotel, although I didn’t order anything. Being in Florence, there were so many opportunities to eat everywhere and even wine windows! Florence’s buchette del vino (tiny wine windows from the Renaissance era) are a must-try if you're wandering the streets. Look for one near Piazza della Repubblica.

Is There a Globalist Breakfast at Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence?

Yes, as part of your Globalist benefit you get breakfast for up to 4 people. It’s in a nice room and the selection is limited but delicious. You also had the option to sit outside. There’s usually fresh fruit, baked goods, Italian coffee, and rotating hot items.

What Is the Globalist Gift at Il Tornabuoni in Florence?

As mentioned before, the gift was a selection of cookies baked by the in-house chef and a bottle of sparkling water.

Why Stay at Il Tornabuoni in Florence?

If you’re able to swing the price (I only felt okay doing this for one night), it’s a great place to be based if you’re seeing the sights right in the middle of Florence. You feel very taken care of; the property feels extremely luxurious. By European and Italian standards this property is excellent. The service is first-class. This hotel is especially appealing to Hyatt loyalists who want to use points on a truly memorable stay as award redemptions can offer great value here.

There are a few moments where I will purposefully splurge on my travels, and this was one of them. The following day we headed to the countryside for a different experience at another property that is part of the Hyatt offering, Villa Petriolo. I’m very happy that we did structure the trip this way. The idea was to combine this luxury stay with a more relaxed, nature-forward retreat like Villa Petriolo for a balanced Tuscan experience.